Park Employees Save Co-Worker from Cardiac Arrest

Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is pleased to acknowledge employees of the Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) that saved the life of a fellow employee this afternoon. 

Just after 12 pm today, Thursday, March 1, 2012, Firefighter/Medics from the Largo/Kettering Fire/EMS Station #846 were alerted for an unconscious person at Watkins Regional Park in Kettering.  A 911 caller described the situation as saying that someone was performing CPR on the downed man.

Firefighter/Medics arrived and encountered an adult male employee of the MNCPPC that was reported to have gone into cardiac arrest.  Fellow employees swiftly moved to render care by performing CPR and using an AED.  Bystander CPR was immediately started and a MNCPPC owned and maintained Automatic External Defibrillator  (AED) was quickly applied.  The AED detected a “shockable” heart rhythm and administered two “shocks.”

Firefighter/Medics arrived and the found the patient alert and conscious.  Paramedics transported the patient to a nearby hospital. The patient has survived sudden cardiac arrest and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.  The AED was downloaded and confirmed the patient was in cardiac arrest.

“This incident demonstrates the necessity for community involvement in CPR training. This gentleman was afforded a much better chance of survival from his cardiac arrest due to the efforts of his co-worker who started CPR immediately. Survival rates in sudden cardiac arrest drop drastically in cases where CPR is not started until after the arrival of EMS units,” stated Fire/EMS Department Assistant Chief Dennis Wood.  “Recent changes to American Heart Association recommendations describe excellent improvements where bystanders initiate chest compressions only until EMS units can arrive. The addition of a facility automated external defibrillator again improves outcomes significantly.”

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor stated, “I am pleased to hear of the fast thinking and quick work of the employees that I credit with saving a co-workers life.  The chain of survival worked in this case; 911 notification, bystander CPR, early access to AED, paramedic intervention and quick entry into a medical facility.  I commend the employees and the MNCPPC for maintaining an AED on-site.”

Everyone should know CPR and how to use an AED.  Anyone interested in learning these skills should call 301-864-LIVE (5483) for additional information.